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Hollywood’s Lost Star: The Dark Descent of Frances Farmer


We’re excited to release a new episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, where we explore the life of Frances Farmer, one of Hollywood’s most tragic figures. Her rise to fame and her eventual downfall is a story of rebellion, institutional mistreatment, and a haunting legacy that continues to resonate through pop culture. Joining us in this episode are Laura and Stephen from the Midday Musings podcast, who bring fresh perspectives and insights to the discussion.



Who Was Frances Farmer?

Frances Farmer was a Hollywood starlet in the 1930s and 1940s, known for her raw talent and beauty. But behind the silver screen, Frances was outspoken and defiant, challenging the constraints of the industry and society’s expectations for women. Her rebellion against the Hollywood machine, and her refusal to conform, set her apart from her contemporaries.

However, this same defiance contributed to her tragic downfall. Farmer’s mental health struggles were met with harsh institutionalization, leading to her incarceration at Washington’s Western State Hospital. The treatment she endured there has been the subject of speculation and horror, as accounts of her suffering emerged over time. While some stories may have been exaggerated, her mistreatment highlights the dark side of the mental health system of the mid-20th century.





The Kurt Cobain Connection

Frances Farmer’s story didn’t end with her passing. Decades later, she inspired one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic figures: Kurt Cobain. The Nirvana frontman, drawn to her rebellious spirit and tragic narrative, even penned the song “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle.” In this episode, we discuss how Cobain saw parts of himself in her story, and how her legacy influenced his music.





Special Guests: Laura & Stephen from Midday Musings

We’re thrilled to have Laura and Stephen from the Midday Musings podcast join us in this episode. Their podcast is known for its thoughtful discussions and lighthearted musings, and their take on Frances Farmer adds an engaging and insightful dimension to our conversation. Be sure to check out their show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.





Exclusive Content on Patreon

Want to dive even deeper into Frances Farmer’s story? By becoming a Patreon member, you can access ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content where we discuss more untold stories and explore themes in greater detail. Just visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com to find the Patreon link and start enjoying your perks!


Catch Us on Radio Tacoma!

We’re also excited to announce that select episodes of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes can now be heard on Radio Tacoma at 101.9FM! Tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm PST, or catch us on Saturdays at 7pm PST to hear your favorite episodes on local airwaves. It’s a great way to support community radio while enjoying our deep dives into fascinating stories.


Listen Now!

You can listen to this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes right now on your favorite platform, whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or another podcast service. Dive into the world of Frances Farmer, a star whose light was dimmed too soon, and uncover the mysteries that surround her life and legacy.

SubscribeDon’t forget to subscribe to Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. And if you’re a fan of deep dives, history, and a little bit of mystery, leave us a review—it helps others find the show and join the rabbit hole!

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